God was slow to hear the prayers of the people of Limhi, but they did begin "to prosper by degrees." God's blessings often come incrementally, so if we're looking for the big blessing, we may miss the small ones that come along the way.
If Ye Believe Not
Nephi said that if we don't believe his words, we should believe in Christ. He expressed confidence that if we believe in Christ, we will eventually believe in his words. We should be patient with one another as we grow over time in knowledge and faith.
The Own Due Time
Lehi told his family that their people would return to Jerusalem "in the own due time of the Lord." We are often in a hurry. When we know something needs to happen, we want it to happen now. God knows not only what needs to happen but also when. We can trust His timing.
“Forbearing One Another”
The apostle Paul urged the Ephesians to be kind to one another, to forgive each other, and to "forbear" one another, which means to give each other a break. As Alma taught Shiblon, we must bridle our passions to be fillied with love for one another.
Earthen Vessels
Jesus shines His light through us, but we are imperfect conduits of that light. Paul described that reality by saying, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." As a result, we ought to be patient with ourselves and with others as we do the best we can.
The Spirit Is Willing
When Peter and the other apostles disappointed Jesus, He acknowledged their good desires. "The spirit is willing," He said, "but the flesh is weak." We can follow His example by giving people credit for their positive desires even when they disappoint us.
A Little Leaven
Three lessons from the Parable of the Leaven: 1. Leaven has to be in the dough to work, so participate actively. 2. Leaven works over time, so be patient. 3. Leaven is distributed across the dough, so trust that your work is part of something greater.
In Process of Time
Growth is gradual. We all know this, but it can be hard to maintain our effort and enthusiasm over time, especially when our progress is indiscernible. When Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, God prevented them from accessing the tree of life. (See Genesis 3:24.) Alma later explained that this was necessary because... Continue Reading →
Being Created
First, three premises: To create something doesn't mean to bring it into existence. It means to organize preexisting materials in a new way. (See Joseph Smith's explanation of the Hebrew word bara' (בָּרָא) as recorded by William Clayton, General Conference, April 1844.) The Creation isn't an event that occurred in the past. It is ongoing.... Continue Reading →
“Waiting Upon the Spirit of the Lord” – Mosiah 21:33-34
After living in bondage for many years, King Limhi and his people remembered Alma, who had baptized a group of believers, organized the church, and then fled from the armies of Limhi's father, King Noah. Limhi and his people wanted the same blessings Alma and his people had received, but it was not their time.... Continue Reading →